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EXPECTANT MOTHERS GET MATERNITY KITS FROM PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 200 pregnant women from different barangays in the city received free hygiene kits from the Philippine Red Cross – Pangasinan Chapter at the Herrero Perez gymnasium on April 30.

Each beneficiary, from seven to nine months in the family way, received a maternity kit filled with various hygiene necessities such as soaps, towels, toothbrushes, toothpastes, slippers, alcohol, tissue paper and many more.

Flashlights and whistles were also included in the kits to be used by women in emergency situations.

The kits were distributed to the mothers in order to promote proper hygienic practices for pregnant women, and to prepare them with the necessities needed r before and after giving birth.

Florame Sanchez, Chapter Administrator of Phil. Red Cross – Pangasinan Chapter, disclosed that pregnant mothers were chosen beneficiaries as they “want to honor our women, especially in the roles they take when they become wives and mothers.”

She added that the program was also held in celebration of World Health Month.

“It’s important for them to know how to maintain cleanliness especially at the crucial stage of their pregnancies. Our mothers are not only taking care of themselves, but also their children, ” said Dela Cruz-Fernandez.

She also shared how the city government, under the leadership of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, extends its support to pregnant mothers.

From regular check-up and consultations conducted by barangay nurses, distribution of Philhealth cards to indigent mothers, and to the annual holding of the Buntis Congress which often draws up to hundreds of pregnant women availing of prenatal services from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) – Region I.

Through Mayor Fernandez’s initiatives, the city will soon be opening its lying-in clinic and diagnostic center located beside the City Health Office in Herrero-Perez.

The center will be opened 24/7 for birthing mothers to help ensure the health and safety of both the mother and child during delivery.

Free diagnostic services such as X-Ray, Ultrasound and electrocardiogram (ECG) will also be available at the center.

“It’s one great step to show that we truly support the women in the city. Pinaka-basic na pangangailangan kasi ng mga buntis ay yung malinis at maayos na facility para sa kanilang delivery. This is something really good to look forward to,” added Dela Cruz-Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)